Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village

Editor's Review

The legendary auto builder used his wealth to acquire chunks of American history now displayed at Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

Henry Ford collected buildings and historical artifacts the way some people collect stamps, and the end result is the Henry Ford Museum and adjoining Greenfield Village. It's hard to imagine the breadth of American history contained here, but this one complex exhibits such artifacts as the chair in which Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and the Dayton, Ohio, house where the Wright Brothers lived. Thomas Edison's Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory is here, as is an authentic stagecoach tavern. The latter is especially interesting because it serves all 1850s fare, including chicken fricassee and vegetable egg pie, and relies on candles and daylight for illumination, just as in the time it was used. You'll need at least two days to see everything at this museum properly. Consider saving money by looking for a hotel-ticket deal, or buy a combo pass that gives you access to both the museum and the village. Also worth buying is the $10 pass that allows you unlimited rides in an authentic Model T, a horse-drawn omnibus, a 1930s motorbus, a carousel and other attractions. During December, the living history village transforms into a wonderland of Christmases past with their popular Holiday Nights celebration. Carolers stroll the decked-out and lantern-lit sidewalks while horse-drawn buggies and Model Ts move up and down the streets. Santa Claus sits on a housetop, while two live reindeer wait below. On the ice-skating rink, men in top hats glide over the ice with women in Victorian dresses. Even the stagecoach stop, the Eagle Tavern, gets into the spirit, serving traditional holiday recipes, such as squash soup, pork and apple pie, and ginger cake with vanilla sauce, by candlelight. Round out your old-time holiday experience by watching the fireworks on the village green. Admission charged.